Ricky Gervais

An exceptionally dry wit with a keen understanding of the embarrassing side of human nature, Ricky Gervais was the co-creative force behind the television series "The Office" (BBC Two, 2001-03) and "E...
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Stars including Woody Harrelson, Ricky Gervais and John Hurt have taken 'selfie'-style photographs of themselves for a bizarre picture project. Editors at the Guardian Weekend magazine have been investigating the modern phenomenon of self-taken portraits posted online, and they invited celebrities to take part to highlight the wide reach of the obsession.
Dozens of stars obliged by snapping themselves in an unusual location and submitting the image for the feature - with some weird and wonderful results.
Gervais pulls a scary face while lying in a bath, Harrelson's shot shows the back of his head reflected in a mirror, and veteran actor Hurt is staring blankly ahead in the front seat of a car.
Other stars to join in include Daniel Radcliffe, Susan Boyle, Helena Bonham Carter, Tilda Swinton, Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker, Ellie Goulding, Shane Macgowan, and Homeland actor David Harewood.
However, there was one star who refused to take part and gave the magazine editors a piece of her mind instead - British actress Sheila Hancock writes, "I hate people who take pictures of themselves and have no intention of becoming one of them. I abhor the way people look at life through a lens. You shouldn't encourage it in any way. What has happened to The Guardian?"

Funnyman Ricky Gervais has been inundated with calls from record company bosses desperate to make an album with his obnoxious character David Brent. The actor shot to international fame when his series The Office, which focused on the antics of paper company manager Brent, first aired on the BBC in 2001.
The popular show lasted for two seasons and the actor recently resurrected his embarrassing character for a one-off series of videos on YouTube.com, entitled Learn Guitar with David Brent, which have proved a hit with fans.
Gervais, who unsuccessfully tried to launch a music career in the 1980s with pop-synth band Seona Dancing, has been left dumbstruck after he was bombarded with calls from label executives keen to cash in on Brent's popularity.
The funnyman tells Britain's The Sun, "I can't believe I'm getting ridiculous offers from major record companies all over the world for a David Brent album. Where were these people when I was trying to be a real pop star?"

The cast and crew of The Muppets sequel took a break from filming in London to record a special message for Britain's new prince. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and her husband Prince William became first-time parents on Monday (22Jul13) when they welcomed a little boy at a hospital in London, and they received congratulatory messages from all over the world.
The royals have also been sent a special greeting from the cast of upcoming movie Muppets Most Wanted, who filmed a video in honour of the birth.
In the footage, Kermit the Frog is seen bantering with Miss Piggy, who exclaims, "Kind of makes you want to have a royal child of your own... can't you just hear the little pitter patter of tadpole feet?" while her worried-looking partner replies, "Tadpoles don't have feet".
Muppets Most Wanted, which co-stars Ricky Gervais and Tina Fey, is currently filming in the U.K. ahead of a 2014 release.

"Could you please put a shallow saucer of water in your garden as hedgehogs are dying from dehydration? Enjoy the sunshine." British comedian Ricky Gervais urges his fans to take care of the spiny mammals as the U.K. enjoys a rare heatwave.

Elizabeth Banks, Jamie Bell, Ricky Gervais and Mark Ruffalo are celebrating after a Texas politician helped to successfully derail a controversial abortion bill on Tuesday (25Jun13). Senator Wendy Davis spoke for 10 hours and 45 minutes on the Senate floor in Austin in a bid to filibuster the legislation, which would have resulted in the majority of Texas' abortion clinics being shut down.
The Democrat fell short of reaching her 13-hour goal of running out the clock when the chairman ruled she had gone off topic, but stars watching her marathon session were enthralled and took to Twitter.com to commend Davis' efforts.
Banks tweeted, "Truly inspiring to watch Wendy Davis standing up for women's rights in Texas," and actor Ruffalo wrote, "This is better then any movie I have seen in a long long time. Never forget. We the people have the power we have always had the power we just need to gather and take it!"
Gervais added, "Whatever the outcome, Wendy Davis' efforts entered her into the pantheon of American heroes tonight. Stand with wendy."
The special session ended in chaos over a late-night vote, but Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst declared the bill dead at 3am local time.
In a post on his Twitter page, Bell wrote, "SB5 (Senate Bill 5) is dead. Wendy Davis & all the others who stood strong in Texas, be proud."
The victory may be short-lived as Governor Rick Perry, a former Republican presidential candidate, may now ask for another session to re-open the debate.

British funnyman Ricky Gervais has thrown his name into the hat for the next Oscars hosting gig, as long as producers let him present the show his way. The comedian, who was savaged by critics for his mean-spirited appearance at the Golden Globes in 2010, has revealed he is interested in following Seth MacFarlane onto the Academy Awards stage in 2014.
Gervais tells website GoldDerby.com, "On the one hand I would be incredibly flattered (to be asked) and whatever you think of those sort of things, it would be a thrill and an honour to be asked.
"On the other hand I doubt the job offer would come without some strings attached. The worst string being, handing in my credentials as a comedian in favour of a family entertainer. We have to be able to poke fun at society without favouring any part of it because we are beholden to someone.
"It's a fine line between feeling like you've sold your soul and feeling like you're ruining someone's party. it would be very temping though, I must admit."
Oscars bosses have been left without a host for next year's show after MacFarlane recently confirmed he would not be available for the 2014 Academy Awards.

Long past his days on the original United Kingdom series The Office, Ricky Gervais reprises his role as David Brent for his YouTube subscribers. In his second episode of his YouTube series "Learn Guitar With David Brent," the beloved (or detested) former Wernham-Hogg Paper Company regional manager teaches his fellow musical hopefuls some sick guitar skills… well, kinda.
Brent starts off by introducing his song about his travels through America down to Mexico, but then claims that he hasn't actually taken that trip. He shares, "I'm sick of this bulls**t saying, 'Write about what you know.' Write about what you don't know!" Brent then shares his realization that dreams are realer than reality, so why not just write about them instead? Super inspirational!
No, we don't actually get to pick up any guitar tips, but we do have five minutes packed with sheer hilarity and some ridiculous jokes. We even have the treat of a performance of his new hit song "Ooh La La," which is pure brilliance if you ask me… besides the fact that he should've probably named the tune, "It's a Beautiful Day" (which Brent doesn't seem to realize until the song's over).
Stay glued to Ricky Gervais' YouTube channel for the next installment of "Learn Guitar With David Brent."
More:Ricky Gervais' New Comedy 'Derek' Hits Netflix In SeptemberRicky Gervais' New 'The Office' Episode Is Here... And David Brent Still Dosn't Get It - VideoRicky Gervais Revives David Brent In 'The Office Revisited' - Teaser
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Rocker Nikki Sixx took aim at reality TV star Kim Kardashian on Monday (20May13) for promoting her new make-up collection on Twitter.com as Americans used the social networking website to express their sympathies for residents in Oklahoma in the aftermath of the devastating tornadoes. The Motley Crue bassist was among the many celebrities who flocked to Twitter on Monday evening to urge locals to stay safe and strong after the natural disaster ripped through a suburb of Oklahoma City, leaving at least 20 people dead and more than 200 others injured.
But the Keeping Up With the Kardashians beauty appeared oblivious to the tragedy as she advertised her Kardashian Beauty products, writing, "Love that I can gradually build the perfect bronzed glow I want with KardashianSunKissed Tan Extender w/ (with) Bronzers!"
Her post irked Sixx as he and stars like Katy Perry, Kristen Bell, Pitbull and Ricky Gervais had been using their high-profile accounts to call on fans to donate to the recovery effort.
A disgusted Sixx took a screen shot of his charity tweet next to Kardashian's and sent it to the TV star, alongside the message: "Pick your priority or pick your poison. Pretty embarrassing screen shot Kim."
He then took another swipe at her, adding, "Isn't your 15 minutes up..."
Kardashian didn't respond to Sixx's scathing comments, but hours later, she did tweet, "Praying for Oklahoma".

Hey all you Office fans out there: Are you sad that the quirky comedy has come to an end? Well we've got something that will put a little smile on your Dunder Mifflin-loving face. The original Office boss, Ricky Gervais has created a brand new show called Derek and it's coming to Netflix this September.
Gervais produces, directs, and writes and stars in the seried which centers on a nursing home attendant named Derek, his two best friends, and a potential love interest named Hannah. Season 1 of the comedy has already aired in the U.K. this past winter and was already renewed for a second season. Now those of us stateside can watch as well because Derek will hit Netflix on September 12 at 12:01 AM PST.
Deadline reports that U.S. fans won’t be the only ones privy to the series. Other Netflix territories, including Canada, Ireland, Latin America, Brazil, and the Nordics will also be able to watch the first season of Derek, this fall. Gervais and a nursing home seem like a recipe for the best kind of disaster. Take a look at the clip below to get to know Derek a little bit more.
Follow Jordyn on Twitter @jordynmyah | Follow Hollywood.com on Twitter @Hollywood_com
More:Ricky Gervais Values 'Derek' Award Over Golden Globes and EmmysCasting Roundup: Sean Connery Teams with Ricky Gervais, 'Parks and Rec' Gives Leslie a Rival'The Office' Series Finale: A Lovely, Sincere Send-off for Dunder Mifflin...And Michael Scott was There!
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Became first guest star on "The Simpsons" (Fox) to also write the episode on which he guest starred; episode titled "Homer Simpson, This Is Your Wife"

Hosted "Meet Ricky Gervais" (Channel 4)

Co-created "Extras," (BBC2) with Stephen Merchant; also starred as Andy Millman, an actor whose career is stuck in background extra parts (aired on HBO in the U.S.); earned Emmy nominations in 2007 for Best Directing for the episode "Orlando Bloom" and Be

Hired as DJ for London radio station XFM, where he met future writing partner Steve Merchant

With Merchant co-created "The Ricky Gervais Show," a weekly online audio program; aired on Xfm in weekly periods for months at a time throughout 2002, 2003, 2004, and mid-2005

Co-directed and starred in comedy "The Invention of Lying"; also wrote and produced

First starring role in a feature film, "Ghost Town"

Co-starred with Ben Stiller in "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian"

Executive produced and appeared on Channel 4 series "Derek"

Co-created with Steve Merchant and starred on BBC comedy hit "The Office"

Returned for another controversial hosting of 68th Golden Globe Awards

Performed with a pop band called "Seona Dancing"; group released two singles

With Merchant, wrote, directed, and appeared on BBC series "Life's Too Short"; series starred Warwick Davis

Headlined sixth annual New York Comedy Festival at Carnegie Hall

Published first childrens book Flanimals; illustrated by friend Rob Steen

Voiced character of Mr. James Bing in computer animated feature "Escape from Planet Earth"

Produced American version of "The Office" (NBC) with co-creator Greg Daniels

Summary

An exceptionally dry wit with a keen understanding of the embarrassing side of human nature, Ricky Gervais was the co-creative force behind the television series "The Office" (BBC Two, 2001-03) and "Extras" (BBC Two/HBO, 2005-07), alongside his creative partner of over a decade, Stephen Merchant. In addition to co-writing and co-producing both shows, Gervais played the lead in both series - the self-deluded and thoroughly inappropriate office manager David Brent on "The Office," and the hapless wannabe actor Andy Millman on "Extras" - which earned him numerous awards and praise from fellow writers and performers on both sides of the Atlantic. A multimedia renaissance man, Gervais went on to star in the feature films "Ghost Town" (2008) and "The Invention of Lying" (2009), taped several stand-up comedy specials, created the truly bizarre children's book series <i>Flanimals</i>, and saw his highly-rated Xfm radio show with Merchant and Karl Pilkington - later re-aired as internet podcasts - transformed into the hit animated series "The Ricky Gervais Show" (HBO, 2009- ). Additionally, he served as host on more than one occasion for the annual Golden Globe Awards, eliciting praise from some and scorn from others, due to his relentless roasting of celebrity insiders. Gervais was simply a man whose witty brilliance knew no cultural or ethnic boundaries.

Education

Name

University College London

Notes

Gervais tried to be a rock star in the David Bowie mold, but he never took off. He managed an indie band and a Queen tribute band, and segued into radio, where he met Stephen Merchant, who eventually became his writing partner and played Millman's incompetent manager on "Extras."

As a kid, Gervais began writing original scripts for the Hanna-Barbera cartoon "Tom and Jerry."

"It's the work that excites me. I don't like the fame – that's the worst thing about it for me. I don't like being recognized shopping for pants." – Gervais quoted to People Magazine, March 23, 2004

"I've always felt sorry for those who don't have a sense of humor. The worst thing to me growing up was to embarrass yourself socially. I feel sorry for anyone. Hitler could walk in and make a bad joke and I would cringe and [say], 'Oh, I wish he hadn't made that bad joke." – Gervais quoted in The Los Angeles Times, Sept. 17, 2008

About Gervais, Koepp (director of "Ghost Town") says: "His greatest fear in the world is looking stupid. Trying to be funny and not being funny is humiliating. I think one of the reasons he was careful to pick a Hollywood movie is that he desperately didn't want it to be a bad one. He waited too long for success to [toss] it away. Like a lot of people who get success late in life, it means more to them. They're more protective." – from The Los Angeles Times, Sept. 17, 2008